Are You Causing Your Brakes to Squeal? Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some causes of Squealing Brakes and How to Fix Them

Nothing disrupts a smooth ride like the high-pitched squeal of brakes. Often, this annoyance can be traced back to simple mistakes during maintenance or handling. Here’s what you might be doing to cause squealing brakes and how to resolve the issue effectively.

1. Overspray from Aerosol Cleaning Products
Using aerosol cleaning products near your bike can inadvertently cause overspray to settle on your rotors or brake pads. This contamination reduces braking efficiency and leads to that unpleasant squealing noise.

How to Fix It:

  • Clean the Rotors: Use a clean microfiber cloth and a high-quality brake cleaner to wipe down the rotors thoroughly.
  • Clean the Brake Pads: Remove the pads and clean them with a shop towel and brake cleaner. For heavily contaminated pads, lightly sand the top layer to restore performance.
  • Recommended Products: At Jibe, we trust SCC Tech's Ride it Clean for general cleaning and contact cleaner for tackling tougher oils and grease that may have made their way onto the braking surfaces.

     

    Preventative Tip:

  • Spray the product directly onto a clean microfiber towel, then use the towel to carefully apply it to the desired area of the bike.

2. Touching Your Rotors with Your Fingers
Your hands naturally produce oils, and even a light touch on your rotors can transfer these oils onto the braking surface. This contamination compromises the grip between your rotors and pads, causing squealing and reducing braking power.

How to Fix It:

  • Avoid touching the rotors whenever possible. If contact happens, clean the rotor immediately with brake cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth.
  • Handle your rotors and brake pads with gloves or by their edges to prevent contamination.
  • Clean the Rotors: Use a clean microfiber cloth and a high-quality brake cleaner to wipe down the rotors thoroughly.
  • Clean the Brake Pads: Remove the pads and clean them with a shop towel and brake cleaner. For heavily contaminated pads, lightly sand the top layer to restore performance.
  • Recommended Products: At Jibe, we trust SCC Tech's Ride it Clean for general cleaning and contact cleaner for tackling tougher oils and grease that may have made their way onto the braking surfaces.

Preventative Tips:

  • Regularly inspect your rotors and pads for contamination or wear.
  • Store cleaning products away from your bike or cover critical components while cleaning.

By addressing these common mistakes, you can enjoy quiet, reliable braking and avoid the frustration of squealing brakes during your rides. 

 

 

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